Dave's fave restaurants
A few of my own regular go-to places and one or two treats.
Make sure you understand what a "Menu del dia" is, the secret to eating well without breaking the bank. See my Menu del dia page for an explanation.
I highly recommend you check out my good friend Bill Sinclair's blog about the most interesting bars and restaurants in Barcelona. His articles are published in various places including the Guardian. Check out his blog at Bill in Barcelona. Not just food, but all kinds of curiosities around the city. He's a real enthusiast!
And if you're looking to push the boat out, you must visit the gourmet food blog Food Barcelona. The very best restaurants reviewed by a professional food critic. Inspirational!
- Delicamon
- Port Olimpic
- First off, not a restaurant at all, just a cafe and sandwich bar. But they are located just outside the port so ideal for stocking up on sandwiches, snacks and drinks before your sail. They offer a selection of really rather nice sandwiches.
- Barca de Salamanca
- Port Olimpic
- Ideal for lunch after a morning sail. Very popular with locals, usually with a busy vibe. There are several very similar restaurants in the marina, Salamanca currently gets my vote for their friendly, efficient service and reliable quality.
- Can Ros
- Barceloneta
- A hidden gem, this neighbourhood restaurant offers a high quality lunch menu at a very fair price. If you're in the barrio in the afternoon, treat yourself.
- La Bombeta
- Barceloneta
- A famous, lively spot for excellent tapes. Go in a group, expect a noisy, fun ambience with not much elbow room betweeen the tables. Order a whole bunch of stuff and get stuck in. Wash it all down with their excellent, cheerful, cheap-as-chips turbio wine, a young white wine still cloudy with yeast. They have more rooms out back so even if it seems full from the outside, if there's not a queue they probably have space.
- Morryssom
- Diagonal/Gracia
- Great spot for tapes and wine in the evening.
- Try their zarajos, a dish from the city of Cuenca. I only know one other place in Barcelona serving these. Incredibly rich lamb's intestines (I know, but trust me on this!) wrapped around vine twigs and roasted.
- Goliard
- Diagonal/Gracia
- Lovely, quiet place for dinner. They offer an excellent tasting menu for about €25.
- Nou Can Codina
- Diagonal/Gracia
- Every bar in Barcelona serves croquettes, and they're dull as dishwater. Not here. They have about 8 different varieties and they're all mouthwatering. You can get a variety pack with one of each for about 9 Euros. Fantastic!
- The Pulpo a la Gallega here is unique, and fantastic. A whole octopus arm, or leg, whatever, tentacle I guess, served with potatoes and seasoned with cayenne pepper. Everywhere else serves this with the tentacle already sliced. Also, a lot of places overcook it, so it comes out rubbery. Not here. Cooked to perfection and uniquely presented. You'll want to take photos of this one!
- Their morcilla is amazing. A simple blood sausage on a piece of toasted bread.
- And while we're here, did I mention they have a great selection of local craft beers?
- This place has a tavern vibe, popular with locals, often busy.
- Peruà Andino
- Sagrada Familia
- If you're visiting Sagrada Familia - or Hospital Sant Pau (and you should) - you can escape the tourist traps and choose this excellent Peruvian restaurant instead.
